Paul Green will take time out tonight to help his good mate Adam Maher. Picture: Zak SimmondsSource:News Corp Australia

North Queensland coach Paul Green will break from Cowboys camp tonight as some of the code’s biggest names rally in support of a former first grader battling Motor Neurone Disease.

When former Cronulla forward Adam Maher was diagnosed with MND a year ago, Green was among many left devastated.

Green and Maher’s mateship spans 25 years, back to when the duo were teammates at the Cronulla Sharks in 1994, and now the Cowboys coach is now doing everything possible to improve the 46-year-old’s quality of life.

Adam Maher (right) was diagnosed with MND a year ago.Source:Supplied

Tonight at Wynnum Leagues Club, more than 400 guests – including former Origin stars Matthew Johns and Bryan Fletcher – will join forces to raise funds for the Maher family in their battle with the crippling illness.

Green arrived on the Sunshine Coast yesterday to prepare for tomorrow night’s trial against the Titans, but will briefly leave camp to support Maher.

“Adam has fallen on some hard times so we are getting together to help him and his family,” Green said.

Adam Maher during his rugby career.Source:News Corp Australia

“We’ve got Matty Johns and Bryan Fletcher supporting the night. Guys like Shane Richardson (former Sharks CEO), John Lang (former Cronulla coach) and Andrew Ettingshausen (Sharks legend knew Adam from his days at Cronulla and they will be there too.

“Adam is a terrific fella. I’ve known him for a long time since our playing days and we’re doing everything we can to help him.”

Maher was fighting fit in July, 2017 when his fiancee Trudy noticed he would start slurring words after a couple of drinks.

Maher underwent tests and was diagnosed with bulbar palsy last March, a common symptom of MND that affects the part of the brain needed for swallowing, speaking and chewing.

Fox Sports presenter Jessica Yates will host the evening. In 2004, former Balmain star Scott Gale passed away from MND after a long battle with the illness.

“This is a feelgood event,” Green said.

“At a time when there’s some bad headlines for the game, a fundraiser like this shows how the rugby league community can band together.”